Thank you, God. I’m grateful, God, for so many things. Now, I
know I’m not the most grateful person you know, God, so let me take some time
to tell you what I’m thankful for.
I’m grateful, God, for the gift
of life. Without you I wouldn’t be here. Without you nothing would be here.
Without you nothing would be at all.
I’m grateful for my parents, God.
Even if they weren’t perfect, or completely functional, they loved me the best
they could, and they worked hard to make sure that I had enough to eat, that I
was clothed and that I had a place to sleep. I’ll never know all that they did
for me, like the things they did for me when I was a baby, but I can be
grateful for the things that I know. Help me to be a grateful child and remind
me to be grateful in person. My parents have ended their time on earth and are
with you, so help me to be thankful for their lives, and fill me with the hope
of meeting them again in your company, where I’ll be able to say thanks again.
I know I’m not the most grateful
person you know, God, so let me take some time to tell you what I’m thankful
for.
I’m grateful for my friends, God.
Even if I have only one good friend in my life right now, I’m so grateful. God,
you show your love for me through my friends in ways that I sometimes overlook.
They give me advice, sometimes when I need it, sometimes when I don’t, which in
both situations is a sign of their care for me. They listen to me complain,
which I do too much, and they celebrate with me, even if things aren’t always going
well for them. They help me to laugh. And they help me to laugh at myself. That
alone is reason to be thankful. Help me to be a good friend in return.
I’m grateful for my family, God.
Yes, I know that all families are a little nutty, and mine is no exception.
Even Jesus’s family tree had its share of complications. But I’m thankful that,
even with the nuttiness, I’m part of a family that has helped to make me the
person I am. I know that they try to love me the best that they can. Help me to
be a good family member, trying to help out when I can, make the phone call or
pay a visit when they’re lonely, and keep my mouth shut when I should be
listening, or when I don’t have anything sensible to add to the conversation.
I’m grateful for my job, God.
It’s not always a bed of roses, but at least I have a place to work and I am
able to make ends meet. That’s more than many people have. And I know the
people I work with can drive me crazy, but they are doing their best, too. Help
me to be a good co-worker, to give people the benefit of the doubt, to care for
the people with whom I work, and not to take everything so seriously on the
job. And help me remember that all work done freely and with a loving heart is
worthy in your sight.
I’m grateful, God, for all the
things that I know many people in this world don’t have. And that’s a long
list. So, I’m grateful for food. And clean water that is easily available. And
clothes. And heat in the winter and air conditioning and screens in the summer.
I’m grateful that I can go to the doctor and get a checkup and even get shots
to help me avoid illness. That’s a lot more than most people have. Help me to
be grateful and help me remember that I can help those who have less by being
generous. That’s one way of thanking you.
(James Martin, SJ, AMERICA MAGAZINE)